She asked nicely…
The least you could do for Marlo is vote on May 22
Marlo Campbell

It’s finally official — on April 20, Premier Gary Doer called a provincial election, which means voters will be heading to the polls on May 22.

Thank God. I was starting to get sick of all the “will he or won’t he?” speculation, and frankly, a media pundit can only use the word “imminent” so many times before it loses its punch.

My Spidey sense tells me this election will be a lively one, and with the big day only weeks away I’m ready for the whirlwind of campaign hype.

But, because democracy functions best when everyone contributes, I implore you to join me in caring — even just a little.

In 2003, voter turnout for provincial election was 54.17 per cent, which is, at best, a pretty mediocre showing.

Considering that hot-button topics such as car theft, gangs, child care, the environment, roads, poverty and health care will all be on the table during the 2007 campaign, it’s likely that at least one or two politicians in your area will be talking about an issue you feel passionate about.

So why not participate in the debate? Voting is easy. It’s also your right (and obligation) as a citizen of Manitoba — because you’ve chosen to live here, you might as well play a role in what happens around you.

Pleading ignorance is a cop-out. Undoubtedly you have an opinion about something. Why not voice it?

Start arguments with friends and family. Demand answers from your elected officials and those vying for their jobs. Punish the ones who aren’t up to snuff.

Stir the pot a little — you might discover that rabble-rousing agrees with you.

Besides, I guarantee that people far less smart than you will be voting come election day. If nothing else, your vote will help counteract the opinions of those you dislike or disagree with. If you stay home, you’re automatically giving the rest of us a lot of power over your life, and who knows what might happen then?

When it comes to democracy, the majority rules, regardless of whether or not that majority is informed or misguided. Need I bring up Sanjaya, Hal Anderson or Rory Fitzpatrick to make my point?

All right then. Nominations will continue until May 8, at which time a list of all candidates in all electoral divisions will be posted for your perusal at www.electionsmanitoba.ca.

Of course, I am also at your service, and you’re welcome to e-mail me with questions and comments about the issues you’d like to see covered between these pages.

Already, my in-box has been subject to an onslaught of political press releases that range from clearly articulated policy planks to misleading bafflegab to scathing diatribes.

For the duration of the campaign, I pledge to painstakingly weed out the substance from the spin and attend as many campaign events as I can.

I want you to have as many of the facts you need to make an informed choice on election day.

I’ll do all the grunt work on your behalf — all you have to do is show up on May 22.

Please?